By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
People are working together to protect each other in Piedmont, and residents have cooperated with emergency orders that are in place due to COVID-19, said Police Chief Scott Singer.
Like other cities across the state and in Canadian County, Piedmont is under a state of emergency order through the month and possibly longer.
“No one knows right now,” Singer said.
Police officers are seeing and stopping fewer speeders, with fewer people on the streets, and officers are issuing more warnings, he said.
“Of course, we still give tickets to the most egregious violators,” Singer said.
But officers want to avoid a face-to-face as much as possible, he said. The police station, and public buildings are closed while the city follows the CDC guidelines, Singer said.
“There are times it is difficult to live by these requirements, but generally speaking everyone is doing really well and cooperating,” Singer said.
Canadian County and Oklahoma Emergency Management Agency assistance has helped provide masks and gloves to Piedmont offices, he said. There is a current shortage for paper shoe-coverings. Piedmont’s police department has 11 regular officers and two reserve officers. He said so far officers are healthy.
“Knock on wood that we all stay that way,” Singer said.
He said officers are using extra sanitizing wipes and disinfectant on duty.
“We are making a diligent effort to stay healthy and safe,” Singer said.
Officers during the pandemic are finding themselves in a bit of a different role, as educators, not just enforcers.
“We’ve been trying to educate people and to be a reminder for folks to practice social distancing and follow other rules.
“To protect one and other it’s going to take everyone,’ Singer said.
He said he will be glad when the number of cases levels off in the state.
Recent numbers released by the Oklahoma State Health Department show an increase in Canadian County show 40 cases in Canadian County and one death. There are 1,472 cases statewide and 67 deaths.
Another 376 people are hospitalized.
The median age of people infected is 56 years-old and the range of ages of those who have died is from infant to 102 years-old.
